22.2 Preparing for Mentorship: Contexts and Spaces

Now that you have a foundational understanding of the different types of mentoring, let’s explore how you can prepare to engage in these opportunities. As both a student and a working professional, you’ll meet many people who can help you achieve your goals. Before pursuing mentorship, it’s important to consider how you will prepare to receive it. You may have heard the saying, “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.” While mentorship doesn’t involve grades or assessments to measure success, being aware of the tools that can boost your confidence in seeking mentorship will create more positive experiences. These tools also help you move with intention and achieve both your short- and long-term personal and professional goals.

Start by assessing the environment you’re in—whether it’s formal or informal, in-person or virtual—as this will shape your approach to communication. Next, take the time to understand your mentor’s preferred communication style, and reflect on your own. Finally, preparing thoughtful questions to ask will not only boost your confidence but also lead to meaningful discussions and connections.

You’ll have many opportunities to pursue mentorship in person—at events, at school, and within the organizations you join. While traditional in-person networking is a common way to find mentorship, you may also explore non-traditional methods, such as connecting in more informal spaces online. Depending on the formality and professionalism of the environment, your communication style will need to adapt accordingly to build meaningful connections. If you plan to connect with a mentor via social media, consider the platform’s atmosphere, tone, and level of formality. For example, Facebook and Instagram are generally informal spaces, but when reaching out through direct messages, it’s wise to adopt a more formal tone, especially when contacting someone for the first time. These platforms often serve as initial touchpoints, with the goal of moving to a more in-depth conversation through a face-to-face meeting or Zoom call. On the other hand, LinkedIn is designed specifically for professional networking. The tone here is more formal, and your communication should reflect this by being concise and clear about your purpose for connecting. This professional approach is key to building strong, career-focused relationships.

It’s important to understand that context and content play a key role in texts and phone calls. Generally, a text message suggests that a response isn’t urgent, while a phone call often conveys a sense of urgency. For example, if Human Resources is extending a job offer or scheduling an interview, they’re more likely to call or email you directly due to the formal nature of the communication, rather than sending a text.

In your group mentoring sessions this semester, it’s important to find a balance between maintaining professionalism and allowing your mentor and fellow group members to get to know the real you. Throughout the topics covered—Session 1: Ethics & Social Responsibility, Session 2: Ambition and Achievement, and Session 3: Teamwork and Hard Conversations—you’ll have the chance to learn from your mentor’s professional examples and life experiences. These discussions are meant to be meaningful, helping you forge a personal connection that also serves as a professional one.

Remember, your mentor is becoming a part of your professional network, so it’s essential to present yourself in a way that’s both respectful and genuine. While making a good impression is important, the primary goal isn’t to impress your mentor. Instead, focus on gaining confidence in networking, learning valuable lessons, and building meaningful relationships with your group—key objectives highlighted in the learning goals earlier in the chapter.

References

Friedman, A. (2024, August 12). Council post: The secret ingredient to success: Maintaining personal and professional relationships. Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/03/22/the-secret-ingredient-to-success-maintaining-personal-and-professional-relationships/

Zachary, L. J., & Fischler, L. A. (2009). The mentee’s guide: Making mentoring work for you. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.